Directed by: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell
Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane, John Ratzenberger
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 93 minutes
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
After last year’s “Cars 2”, Pixar was hoping to redeem itself its reputation with “Brave”. They are definitely on the right track with this one but I felt like it was missing something. “Brave” is definitely not your typical princess movie. It is dark and packs quite a bit of violence. When it comes to visuals, this is their boldest film yet and the 3D effects are absolutely amazing. At times I felt like I was watching a live action film. When it comes down to it, “Brave” is not Pixar’s best film yet but certainly not their worst. It is a fun action-packed ride that will entertain most.
Disney’s latest princess, Merida, is one tough cookie. She prefers to see fighting and shooting arrows then acting like a princess. Due to this she ends up bumping heads with her mother, who is trying to plan her future. After meeting a witch, she makes a deal with change her faith…and in the process receives a spell to “change” her mother. Although the spell changes her mother into a bear. Merida needs to find a way to reverse the spell before it becomes permanent, while changing setting her path for the future.
When I first saw trailers for “Brave”, I really wasn’t too thrilled. I thought it look “just ok”. I was suprised that I enjoyed it quite more than I thought I would. The film starts with some good humor but once the spell gets cast, the tone gets real serious. I really respected how ambitious Pixar reached with this film but I think it feels like it drags a bit and like I said is missing the Pixar charm. Parents be warned since the violence is amped up and there are a few CG butts and cleavage, which is new for Pixar. I would still recommend this film, especially since this summer has provided many amazing films.